ISMAILI EMPOWER WOMEN - 2004-04-19

There's the stereotype of the Muslim woman -- silent and withdrawn behindher veil, obsequious when called upon, unable to think for herself, muchless drive a car. And then there's Shabnam Lutafali. Besides being a devout Muslim, thePakistan native is a doctor of economics and a professor at the Universityof Houston-Downtown. She also serves as the president of the Southwestregional board for the Ismaili Muslims, followers of the Aga Khan.